CVIJANOVIĆ: DOBRILA KUKOLJ - LIFE DEDICATED TO TRUTH AND DIGNITY

BANJA LUKA, MAY 21 /SRNA/ - The life of longtime president of the Banja Luka Association of WWII Camp Inmates Dobrila Kukolj was a testimony to suffering, but even more to dignity, truth and strength, said Serb member of the BiH Presidency Željka Cvijanović.

“A respected member of society, a warm person and always a wonderful interlocutor, a tireless fighter for truth, a valuable partner to the institutions of Republika Srpska in the fight for justice and respect for victims,” Cvijanović said at the commemoration marking Kukolj’s passing. She noted that Dobrila Kukolj survived the horrors of the Jasenovac camp as a child, carrying on her soul the scars of a dark time that must never be forgotten. “She did everything to ensure that this does not happen again and that the truth about the genocide in the NDH, as terrible and horrifying as it is, comes to light. Despite suffering and pain, she found the courage and strength to speak, testify and warn,” Cvijanović said. She emphasized that there was no hatred in Kukolj's voice, but rather a quiet and dignified persistence to preserve the truth from being forgotten. “She spoke calmly, but her words carried the weight of the most important historical lesson that we are obliged to know and repeat again and again. She left an indelible mark on the culture of remembrance of Republika Srpska and our people,” Cvijanović added. She said that the passing of Dobrila Kukolj represents a great loss for her family, loved ones, friends and the entire Republika Srpska, which owes her eternal gratitude for every testimony, lesson and truth she left behind. “May her soul rest in eternal peace and may she rest in God's peace,” Cvijanović said. The commemoration at the Banski Dvor Cultural Center in Banja Luka was attended, in addition to Kukolj’s family members, by Republika Srpska President Siniša Karan, Prime Minister Savo Minić, and SNSD leader Milorad Dodik. Dobrila Kukolj, who passed away yesterday in Banja Luka at the age of 94, will be buried today at noon at the Sveti Pantelija cemetery.